MEN'S HOCKEY: Two of Ireland's top players, Glenanne's Stephen Butler and Pembroke's Justin Sherriff, have agreed to play their club hockey in Belgium and practically become full-time players, the first in the country to make such a move.
Both have been in negotiations for the past few weeks and recently travelled to Belgium to settle contracts.
They were key figures in Ireland's European Cup qualifying tournament in Dublin during the summer and should figure prominently when Ireland go to Barcelona next summer for the European Cup finals.
Sherriff notably scored a hat-trick for Ireland on his debut, while Butler has provided an immense presence in midfield both for Ireland and Glenanne, as well as being a specialist at short corners.
The move will mean that the players will be as close to being professional as other top European players from the best nations, a status which is permitted in hockey.
Instead of having an inequitable situation arise like that which existed in rugby some years ago where players were "shamateurs", the international hockey federation (FIH) decided that the best way to modernise the game was to allow the practice.
Many of the top players in Pakistan and Holland were effectively professional anyway when the law was changed some years ago.
Belgian hockey is currently on a high and the national team is ranked fourth in Europe, their highest position ever.
"While it is disappointing from a Pembroke club point of view, we the team are delighted for Justin (Sheriff) knowing that it is an excellent opportunity for him and that it will benefit Ireland in the European Championships in Spain next summer," said Pembroke coach Simon Filgas.
